“Caterina, do you really think this little drama of yours will work?”
I had just stepped out of Rocco’s office building when Scarlett’s mind-link invaded my thoughts.
“Damon? Please. You really think Rocco will ever let you go?”
Her mental voice dripped with smug satisfaction.
“He’s furious. Probably already planning how he’s going to charm his way back into your bed. What do you think his excuse will be this time? An apology? Another empty promise?”
I didn’t respond, simply reinforcing my mental shields.
But she was right.
Rocco wouldn’t let go easily.
This time, however, it wasn’t up to him.
The neon lights of the city blurred past the car window. Pedestrians hurried along the streets, each with a place to go, a place to belong.
And I was about to leave this city for good.
Three days until my flight.
It was midnight when I finally returned to the empty den.
A light was on in the living room.
Rocco was on the sofa, looking exhausted. His suit was wrinkled, his hair a mess, his eyes bloodshot.
“Caterina.” He stood, his voice uncharacteristically gentle. “I’m sorry. I was out of line earlier.”
He walked toward me, his steps cautious, as if afraid of startling a wounded animal.
“I was just so scared of losing you.” A tremor entered his voice. “Don’t you know that, Caterina? You’re my whole world.”
It was the first time I had ever heard Rocco sound so humble, so apologetic.
“Our anniversary is just a few days away,” he said, stopping a few feet from me, carefully watching my expression. “What do you want to do? We could go to the Maldives, or Iceland to see the northern lights like you’ve always wanted. I promise, no interruptions. We can even turn off our phones.”
“Whatever you want,” I said, my voice flat.
“Caterina, I promise, I’ve dealt with the situation with Scar,” he said, stepping closer, reaching for my hand. “She won’t…”
“Okay.”
I cut him off. The atmosphere in the room turned instantly awkward.
Rocco was clearly unprepared for my placid reaction. He’d expected tears, shouting, a dramatic reunion—none of which he got.
I was like a polite stranger, distant and cold.
